Instant Analysis: Virginia G/T Branden Albert

NFLExperts.com Analyst Tom Marino and Warpaint Illustrated.com Publisher Nick Athan offer instant analysis on the Chiefs second first-round pick, Branden Albert.

Instant Analysis: Tom Marino

Branden Albert was a heck of a pick for the Chiefs, and they’re leading the way in the first round in my estimation. They have two top 15 picks.

My thinking with Albert is that he’s got great versatility. I rated him as a guard but he can play tackle. Obviously the Chiefs have seen more of him than I have, and they probably know better. He’s got really good movement, he’s got good athletic ability, and he’s got the feet to be an outside guy. I love his ability to block at the second level and pull and lead on toss plays.

He’s a young guy and he’s only going to get better. He wasn’t highly recruited coming out of high school so the sky is the limit with this guy. But the Chiefs have got themselves two starters with two picks right now.

Instant Analysis: Nick Athan
Lightning strikes twice in the same round for the Kansas City Chiefs. All week, I had heard that Kansas City wanted Virginia guard/tackle Branden Albert with the fifth overall pick. But when Glenn Dorsey fell to the Chiefs and the Chicago Bears took an offensive tackle with the 14th pick, Kansas City jumped to the 15th spot and nabbed their top offensive line target.

In making a trade with the Detroit Lions that swapped third round picks and sent the pick Kansas City acquired from the Miami Dolphins for quarterback Trent Green, the Chiefs filled the second of two big needs for their football team.

Albert will start the season as KC’S left tackle and if you've seen him on film, he’s reminiscent of Willie Roaf in open space. The first round could not have been more fortunate for the Chiefs. Outside of Jake Long, Albert might be the second best offensive lineman in the draft. He was a steal with the 15th pick, and Trader Carl didn't give up too much to get him.

Pre-Draft Scouting Report:

Junior eligible player with excellent size, range and athletic ability. Pass sets were quick and efficient. Good stunt awareness, feet and range. Good knee bender. As a run blocker, engages quickly with good hand placement and sustain. Very impressive on his pull and lead. Can improve his overall body strength, but I saw little else that I didn't like with this player's game.

Chiefs Upgrade Line with Albert Pick

Audio: Branden Albert